Grants totaling $150,000 will help local governments in the northwest, poised to benefit from LNG development, perform needs assessments, B.C. Premier Christy Clark announced today at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver.

Under the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development's Infrastructure Planning Program, the City of Prince Rupert, District of Kitimat, City of Terrace, District of Port Edward, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District will have access to these targeted funds to study the impacts that LNG developments have on community water and sewer systems, roads, health, safety and social systems.

The ministry will have discussions with these eligible communities over the coming months to finalize grants that can be used for a range of activities related to assessing the technical, environmental and/or economic feasibility of municipal infrastructure projects necessary to support LNG development.

Premier Christy Clark also announced a new LNG - Buy BC program. Government will connect LNG proponents with B.C. businesses large and small to supply their needs. This voluntary program will ensure British Columbia businesses in communities across the province enjoy profits from the economic growth from the LNG sector.

LNG export potential in B.C. is unprecedented in scale. It's expected to generate more than 100,000 jobs over 30 years, and billions of dollars in new investment to create a Prosperity Fund, enshrined and protected by law to pay off our debt, plus new revenues for government to help future generations of British Columbians.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark -

"Communities in the northwest will see an influx of jobs - and people - as a result of LNG development. It's our job to help them manage that growth and assess what their communities need in terms of housing, municipal services like water and sewer and provincial services in health, education and justice. These grants will be the first step in that process."

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"LNG development provides an unprecedented economic opportunity for the communities of northwest British Columbia. During UBCM I've heard first-hand from communities that are keen to capture the benefits but are also realistic about the challenges of growth. These grants will provide them with some tools around planning so that they are ready for the sheer numbers of workers and families expected and can build communities that will handle everyone's needs well into the future."

Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing Rich Coleman -

"The Province is committed to working with local communities to ensure LNG development is sustainable and creating benefits for British Columbians. These grants will help local governments prepare for the opportunities ahead."

Learn More:

Check out the B.C. government's role in supporting communities across the province through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

For an update on B.C.'s LNG strategy, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/com/attachments/LNGreport_update2013_web130207.pdf

Contact:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

Ministry of Community Sport and Cultural Development
Communications office
250 387-4089